Snap Emergency Allotments Have Ended
Due to recent action by the federal government Extra COVID SNAP Benefits, also known as SNAP Emergency Allotments ended March 2, 2023 in Massachusetts. Starting in April, SNAP recipients will get only one monthly payment in the amount of their normal benefit award.
SNAP Recipients may be able to increase their normal SNAP benefit award by telling the DTA about certain qualifying costs of living. For information on what qualifies as well as additional guidance and resources from the DTA, visit: Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP
Recipients received their final payment of Extra COVID SNAP on March 2nd.
The Food Bank SNAP Assistance phone line is available for questions at: 413-992-6204.
Links to recommended resources:
- Official guidance and resources from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.
- Information on how to use extra benefits included in the Healthy Incentives Program.
- 413 Cares Resource and Assistance Database.
- Pantries, meal sites, and other food distributions from The Food Bank of Western Mass and its partners.
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SNAP Skimming Advisory
An organized “criminal ring” is stealing SNAP and DTA cash benefits from EBT cards through a mechanism called skimming that occurs at point of sale.
If you think your benefits have been stolen please report this to the fraud unit at DTA: 800-372-8399.
Help Keep Your EBT Card and DTA Benefits Safe! Set a new EBT PIN after each purchase:
- Call the number on the back of your card: 800-997-2555.
- Choose your language.
- Enter the number on the front of your card.
- Press 2.
- Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have an SSN, enter the last 4 digits of your 99 number assigned by the DTA.
- Enter your Date of Birth (month/day/year – 2 digits for month, 2 digits for day, 4 digits for year). For example, 12 01 1989 for December 1, 1989.
- Enter your NEW 4-digit PIN; then enter it again. Choose a
different PIN from any previous PINs. This is the best way to try to protect your benefits if your card
information has been stolen.
If you receive TAFDC or EAEDC cash assistance, ask about having your benefits deposited to your bank account. Call your case manager to set up direct deposit.
